the suspects drove off in a sedan with nevada plates. >>> she was sitting on a gold mine and didn't even know it. today a californiaground mother who lams -- grandmother who almost missed her chance to cash in on a fortune came forward. the lucky winner is $23 million richer. >> reporter: with tears in her eyes julie severa arrived at the lottery office to claim her $23 million winnings. >> once in a while i'll hit the floor on my knees and scream. >> reporter: the 69 year old widow almost missed out on her prize. the california lotto put out this photo, in the photo her daughter chralana. >> reporter: the family stopped at michael's market and liquor last may, but not to buy a ticket. >> i was car sick. we pulled over and i grabbed my water. and she was like get me a lotto ticket, i&i'm like -- and i'm like no no no. >> reporter: the ticket would sit in the car for five months until the photo appeared. >> i put my dollar glasses and i had put two pairs to see and it was chralana. >> at first she thought her daughter was in trouble. >> i got the third pair and i put them on and it said i